Francis Yoshio Miki died peacefully with family at his side on 22-June-2021 in Victoria BC. Francis was born in the beautiful village of Bella Bella, BC on 4-March-1940. When he was still a very young child, Francis and his family were relocated to an internment camp in Greenwood, BC where they remained until 1949, after which they returned to the coast to rebuild their lives. As soon as he was old enough, he worked alongside family in the commercial fishing trade out of Steveston, BC where he continued to live and fish through to the mid 1960’s. While busy with fishing, Francis also found his calling at UBC, earning his Bachelor of Education Degree. Upon graduation, he became a teacher at Richmond High School, the same school he had graduated from only a few years prior. It was also at this time that he met Ingrid, his partner for life. Knowing that the match was meant to be, they married after a brief courtship in 1966. Soon the time came for another change – starting a family and beginning a new career direction. Francis and Ingrid moved to Kelowna, BC in 1971 with two toddlers in tow, where he started two successful businesses in interior design and architecture and made many lifelong friends. Francis also took pride in his role as a youth counsellor and teacher, giving guidance and inspiration to young people in his community. Many happy and successful years were enjoyed in this growing town until the economy necessitated another move in order to provide for the family. The choice was clear – back to the coast, but this time to the city of Victoria. It was there that Francis again set up a successful business in interior design which he had for many years, leaving an indelible mark on the city. Recognition and many awards for his work were garnered during the late 80’s to early 2000’s, during which time he created many beautiful homes and commercial spaces for those living and working in Victoria and neighboring areas. Many wonderful days were spent with those close to him, fishing, boating, skiing, camping and enjoying everything that life could offer.

Survived by his wife Ingrid, by his children Marisa (Leo) and Scott (Angel) and his grandsons Jason and Ben. Brothers and sisters, nieces, nephews and friends that were so dearly loved will feel his loss very deeply. Francis was a man of honour and grace, willing to share everything and anything he had with those that needed him. His inner strength, conviction and love for others were unparalleled.

A very warm and heartfelt thanks to all the staff that cared for Francis during his final years with us. A very special thank you to the doctors, nurses and aides at the Oak Bay Kiwanis Pavilion who made this difficult time comfortable, safe and calm for him; in particular we thank Trina and Linda, as well as the office staff at the Pavilion; we are forever grateful to you all.

We love you Dad – you did it right and you did it so very well.

No memorial service by request. Donations, if desired, may be made to the Parkinson’s Wellness Project or to the Arthritis Society of BC.

Condolences  may be offered to the family below.

McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com

  • Fuji Miki

    Dear Ingrid & family,
    I’m am very sorry to hear of Francis’s passing, he was instrumental in assisting me when I first arrived at his parents home in Steveston in 1959. I had many memorable experiences on his skiff running up and down the Fraser River in his efforts to find a good location to set his fish net. He introduced me to many of his friends and assisting me during my job hunt. Cannot thank him enough.

    Kindly accept my condolences on behalf of my family.

    Cousin, Fuji

  • Aki & Eileen Murao

    Dear Ingrid and Family,

    We were saddened to hear of Francis’ passing! Although we hadn’t seen him and his family for many years, our memories of his easy smile and love of family will always be remembered! Please accept our sincere condolences!

  • Mac/Darlene Butler

    Ingrid, Marisa & Scott & families
    Having known your family for 45+ years we have lived alot of life together. We are so thankful for all the memories…so many family dinners. Years of serving together at LHBC where Frank did the overseeing of the redo and update of the sanctuary. Celebrating weddings of our kids together…. then the addition of grandkids !!! What a joy these events were. We look forward to continuing this friendship even with Frank gone.
    Praying for strength and peace for you all as you navigate this new journey.
    YOU ARE LOVED

  • James Pagnotta

    Scott’s dad had the aura of a natural-born teacher. Whenever I visited he would often have something interesting to show-and-tell about. He enjoyed doing it, his manner was easygoing and sincere. He was intellectual but also unpretentious, maintaining a youthful inquisitiveness and a wonder about things. That’s how he seemed when I first met him and that’s how I’ll remember him, whether he was taking us on a summer road trip up island to Long Beach, or introducing a bunch of unruly teenagers to the game of curling (something we might not have had a chance to experience otherwise).

    I’ll also remember his famous photograph that showed a giant basking shark’s tail hanging off the stern of a fishing boat, and how he didn’t hesitate to dig out the picture for my young niece when I asked him about it (many years after first seeing it for myself).

    I’m thankful his winding journey around BC eventually brought him to the Oaklands neighbourhood in Victoria, so I could become good friends with his son. My condolences to Scott, Ingrid, and the entire family during this time.

  • Georgia Pagnotta

    Scott, so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.

    Love
    Georgia

  • Jennifer Pagnotta

    Scott, Angel and Ben,

    Sincere condolences on your loss. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.

    Love Jen, Ian, Julia and Emily

  • Cindy and Sidig

    Scott, Angel and Ben,

    Sending our sincere condolences. We are thinking about you and all your family during this difficult time and hoping that the wonderful times you spent with your Dad help to ease your sorrow.

    Love

    Cindy and Sidig

  • Rick Weatherill

    May you rest in peace.. it was an honor and privilege to know you and your family..

  • Sandy Maczinski

    Marisa and family,
    I’m so very sorry for loss. Sending you thoughts and prayers. What a beautiful obituary, your Father certainly sounded like he put his family first where ever your home was. Moving to better himself for you all. I’m sorry this past year you were unable to be at his side. I’m pretty sure that he knew in his heart is where you were all the time.
    Love Marisa ❤️❤️

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